Farage has ‘questions to answer’ over convicted ex-Reform Welsh leader – PM
Nigel Farage has “serious questions to answer” over a former senior Reform figure convicted of taking pro-Russian bribes, the Prime Minister has said.
Sir Keir Starmer said the Reform UK leader needs to explain what his party knew about Nathan Gill, the party’s former leader in Wales in 2021.
Last month, Gill admitted taking bribes in return for statements in favour of Vladimir Putin’s Russia while he was a Member of the European Parliament.
His activities were said to include making pro-Russian statements about events in Ukraine in the European Parliament and in opinion pieces to news outlets.
“Serious questions to answer”
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Look at Reform.
“(Mr Farage) and his deputy worked alongside someone who took money to spread Putin’s propaganda.
“Whatever their denials, they have serious questions to answer about what they knew.
“But that is the choice – Kremlin cronies sewing division or Labour patriots working for national renewal.”
The PM added that Labour is introducing an Elections Bill to “protect our democracy from foreign interference”.
Sir Keir was responding to a question from John Whitby, Labour MP for Derbyshire Dales, who asked for an update on the Bill.
He said: “Does he agree that, in light of recent court cases and the conviction of Reform’s former leader in Wales, that no party whose leaders take Russian bribes can be trusted to defend our democracy?”
Shock
On a campaign visit to Caerphilly last Friday, Mr Farage said he was “shocked” by Mr Gill’s admissions.
He said: “Every single political party has a bad apple, in fact, many families finish up with a bad apple, these things happen.
“It’s not to downplay the severity of it… but it’s historic.
“You can never, ever guarantee 100% that everyone you meet in your life, you shake hands with in the pub, is a good person.”
Gill, 52, who led Reform in Wales between March and May 2021, pleaded guilty last month to eight counts of bribery between December 6, 2018 and July 18, 2019.
During PMQs, the Prime Minister also condemned Fayaz Khan, whose real name is Fayaz Hosseini, a small boat migrant who made threats to kill Mr Farage.
The Afghan national was jailed for five years on Tuesday.
Sir Keir said: “I want to take this opportunity to condemn unequivocally the death threats made against (Mr Farage). I know the entire House will welcome that justice has been done.
“Whatever our disagreements, we are all parliamentarians, and I won’t stand for violence or threats against our democracy.”
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Without knowing how Mr Gill was recruited by Kremlin agents how can anyone be absolutely confident that other kippers weren’t involved?
Farage has plenty of questions to answer about his own enthusiasm for roubles as well of those of Gill, one of his closest associates in UKIP and Reform.
farage claims to be shocked. Then we are to assume that because farage was so pro putin they didn’t need to bribe him, he didn’t castigate Gill for his contributions as an MEP, farage must have been in the sweet spot for the Russians and proven so on numerous occasions.
Regarding death threats, reform and FSU etc. all lauded a lady that called for immigrants to be burned alive. Funny how they now see it as a wrong. No one should be threatened. Ever.
Interesting read on farage and co.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/18/nigel-farage-party-staffer-russian-embassy-smear-campaign-kremlin-critic
Oh dear, not looking good for Nigel.
Also look to the ADF in the US and their interaction with farage. They were part of the group that got Roe vWade overturned. Bad days ahead.
https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/nigel-farage-and-the-foreign-influence-threat-jane-bradley-new-york-times-reform
On a day when PMQs was dominated by national security issues in relation to China, you’re damn right there are questions to answer (or constantly refuse, obfuscate on, run away from, soundbite out of and FAIL). Reform UK are clearly a Russian takeover plant here and all of them know everything. Nobody joins them unless they know this. Gills’ guilty plea will be the end of them – eventually so voters of Caerffili? Over to you. Strike the first hammer blow to destroy this evil for which the whole of the UK will thank you in the end just like… Read more »
It is disappointing but not odd that Jo Stevens herself did not ask this question in parliament considering that Nathan Gill led Deform Wales.
It was during PMQs
Nigel Farage, who appeared frequently on the Kremlin propaganda outlet Russia Today before it was banned in the UK, is shocked and appalled that one of his colleagues would be outed as a treasonous snake. I’m sure he will learn to be less trusting next time.
This is getting increasingly worrying as every day passes. It’s a matter of National Security and Farage, the Reform candidate in Caerphilly and no doubt others have some very serious questions to answer
The doubt is there regarding Farage’s and his party’s dealings with the Kremlin and how much was known about Nathan Gill’s association. However, will it be enough to curtail and stop them ? Debatable. People want change and if they can willingly made a felon president in the US they could quite easily elevate Farage here too, no matter how much sh*t he’s done. Year’s ago such tarnished associations and dealings would have seen most politicians cast out not now, at least not immediately. The only answer, if in doubt, “do not” vote for that person or party.